Robert Pape, a University of Chicago scholar of air power, blockades and sanctions, criticized U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent’s “economic D‑day” campaign against Iran as a dangerous escalation trap unlikely to compel Tehran and liable to draw the U.S. into deeper military conflict. Pape said such measures have not won major wars or toppled governments and warned that tightening sanctions on Iran and its trading partners could provoke retaliatory moves that force Washington to escalate. "This wi

Robert Pape, a University of Chicago scholar of air power, blockades and sanctions, criticized U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent’s “economic D‑day” campaign against Iran as a dangerous escalation trap unlikely to compel Tehran and liable to draw the U.S. into deeper military conflict. Pape said such measures have not won major wars or toppled governments and warned that tightening sanctions on Iran and its trading partners could provoke retaliatory moves that force Washington to escalate. "This will lead to another escalation trap," he said.